Japanese telecommunications giant SoftBank Corp has launched a new high-altitude platform station business through HAPSMobile, a joint venture with US firm AeroVironment. This business aims to deliver global internet connectivity through a fleet of unmanned aircraft – the Hawk30, shown here – that will fly in the Earth's stratosphere. Photo: Handout

Japanese telecommunications giant SoftBank Corp has launched a new high-altitude platform station business through HAPSMobile, a joint venture with US firm AeroVironment. This business aims to deliver global internet connectivity through a fleet of unmanned aircraft – the Hawk30, shown here – that will fly in the Earth's stratosphere. Photo: Handout